Nav. My lords, sith in a quarrel just and right We undertake to manage these our wars Against the proud disturbers of the faith (I mean the Guise, the Pope, and king of Spain, Who set themselves to tread us under foot, And rent our true religion from this land; But for you know our quarrel is no more But to defend [406] their strange inventions, Which they will put us to with sword and fire), We must with resolute minds resolve to fight,10 In honour of our God, and country's good. Spain is the council-chamber of the Pope, Spain is the place where he makes peace and war; And Guise for Spain hath now incensed the king To send his power to meet us in the field.
Bar. Then in this bloody brunt they may behold The sole endeavour of your princely care, To plant the true succession of the faith, In spite of Spain and all his heresies.
Nav. The power of vengeance now encamps itself20 Upon the haughty mountains of my breast; Plays with her gory colours of revenge, Whom I respect as leaves of boasting green, That change their colour when the winter comes, When I shall vaunt as victor in revenge.
Enter a Messenger.
How now, sirrah! what news?
Mes. My lord, as by our scouts we understand, A mighty army comes from France with speed; Which are already mustered in the land, And mean to meet your highness in the field.30
Nav. In God's name, let them come! This is the Guise that hath incensed the king To levy arms, and make these civil broils. But canst thou tell who is their general?
Mes. Not yet, my lord, for thereon do they stay; But, as report doth go, the Duke of Joyeux Hath made great suit unto the king therefore.
Nav. It will not countervail his pains, I hope. I would the Guise in his stead might have come! But he doth lurk within his drowsy couch,40 And makes his footstool on security: So he be safe, he cares not what becomes Of king or country; no, not for them both. But come, my lords, let us away with speed, And place ourselves in order for the fight. [Exeunt.